ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nitrogen is a macronutrient necessary for life. It is especially important in the agricultural sector as the availability of nitrogen is important for the growth of healthy crops. However, nitrogen is now present in excess in the environment. In recent years literature and satellite studies have shown a global ammonia hotspot in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of India. This study was conducted in the Western Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. Lichens were selected as bioindicators of nitrogen pollution in this region. Lichens are known for their sensitivity towards pollutants in the atmosphere. Cyanolichens in particular are only found in regions of low atmospheric nitrogen concentrations. Microscopic studies were done on the cyanolichens collected. Cyanolichen Lobaria was found in both the physio-geographic zones. The samples were from Munsiyari in Kumaon and Jhinjhoni in Garhwal. The width of the cyanobacterial layer of this lichen was chosen as the parameter to compare. The results show significant difference in the medians with a p-value of 0.007, with the width being greater in the sample from Munsiyari. This corresponds to the lower value of ammonia concentration in Munsiyari.
Key words: Lichens, cyanolichens, Lobaria, ammonia, nitrogen pollution, Uttarakhand.
